There's a problem with your browser or settings.

Your browser or your browser's settings are not supported. To get the best experience possible, please download a compatible browser. If you know your browser is up to date, you should check to ensure that
javascript is enabled.

Image of the Day Gallery

Download Image

Esperanza Fire

The Esperanza Fire started on Oct. 26 in the dry brush near Palm Springs, Calif. By the time it was contained 6 days later, the arson fire had consumed 40,200 acres, and destroyed 34 homes and 20 outbuildings. Racing through grass, brush and timber, the blaze killed five firefighters and forced hundreds to evacuate. In this ASTER image composite of visible and infrared bands, burned areas are shown in shades of red, vegetation is green, brown vegetation is brown and asphalt and concrete are blue-gray.

With its 14 spectral bands from the visible to the thermal infrared wavelength region, and its high spatial resolution of 15 to 90 meters (about 50 to 300 feet), ASTER images Earth to map and monitor the changing surface of our planet.